Michael Southard, CEcD

Economic Development Director
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Durant, OK

Michael Southard is a Certified City Planner, Certified Economic Developer, Economic Development Finance Professional, Professional Community and Economic Developer, and Business Retention & Expansion Coordinator. He received his Master of Regional and City Planning degree from the University of Oklahoma and is an OU EDI graduate. Mike has over 25 years of experience in community and economic development and is currently employed as the economic development director for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma where they are building a regional economic development organization. Under Mike’s management, he led organizations to IEDC Gold and Bronze awards, SEDC Best of Show, SEDC Best of Division, IEDC Accredited Economic Development Organization, and APA award of excellence in economic development.